Formula E completes event simulations

Formula E has completed two full event simulations as the pioneering series gears up for its first race in Beijing on September 13.

Both events took place at Donington Park, where a temporary pitlane and pitboxes were assembled to mimic those that will be in place at the street circuits the series will visit.

Accreditation procedures, operational and IT infrastructures and television broadcasts were also tested.

During the second simulation, the long awaited sight of all the teams and cars on the track took place for the first time, with the 10 teams taking part in the two non-qualifying sessions, qualifying and an endurance test. In addition, the sessions were completed to the schedule that will take place at the races.

This meant that all of the teams and drivers had the opportunity to simulate the unique car change pitstops, where the driver gets out of one car and into the other. In the second simulation, there was also the opportunity of a full standing start.

While a number of issues were encountered, which was the reason for running the simulation, overall the events were considered to be a success in the minds of the organiser, a good sign considering the first ever race is now just over a month away.

“Putting on a major sporting event in the heart of cities around the world is a massive undertaking and requires careful preparation,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E. “We want the Formula E Beijing ePrix to a fantastic spectacle, which is why we’re leaving nothing to chance by rigorously testing all the systems beforehand. Overall we’re very pleased with how things went.”

Organisers have also revealed the raceday timetable for each Formula E event, which takes place all in one day.

The 10 teams and 20 drivers will have two non-qualifying sessions in the morning, lasting 45 minutes and 30 minutes.

This will then be followed by a qualifying session split into four groups of five cars with the order selected at random beforehand. With the number of cars in mind, the total time for qualifying will be just under an hour long.

The race itself will last approximately 60 minutes with the race distance (exact number of laps) determined on the day.